USS Wasp Adds DAPA Manpower

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Andrew McCord, USS Wasp Public Affairs

USS WASP, At Sea (NNS) -- Sailors aboard USS Wasp (LHD 1) now have a better opportunity to learn about and seek help with alcohol-related matters with the addition of four assistants to the ship's Drug and Alcohol Program Advisor (DAPA).

"This command is so large that a single command DAPA wouldn't be able to keep up with the tempo of the needs of Sailors," said Chief Information Systems Technician (SW/AW) Gary Stevenson, DAPA coordinator. "Having these qualified assistants allows this program to reach many more Sailors."

According to the program's governing instruction OPNAVINST 5350.4D, DAPAs serve as the command's primary advisors for alcohol and drug matters. DAPAs report directly to the commanding officer, and manage the command's Substance Abuse Prevention Program. They conduct administrative screenings, prepare applicable reports, provide prevention education, and monitor aftercare.

"DAPA is a good program, and it gets a lot of Sailors who need help with drinking free assistance that's not available in the civilian sector," said Stevenson. "But that person has to want to get help. DAPA provides an avenue to get the help they need."

One of the goals of the DAPA Program is to reach Sailors who may have a drinking problem before the drinking problem impacts them, their career, and the command. Sailors have the opportunity to become involved in the program through self-referrals to any one of five trusted agents: either of the doctors on board, through the chaplain, through the commanding officer, through Fleet and Family Services, or by directing one of the command DAPA personnel.

"Self referrals are designed to give Sailors a positive way to deal with what can be a debilitating situation, or even a disease," said Ship's Serviceman 1st Class (SW/AW) Angela Zamora, assistant DAPA "We want to provide an atmosphere that will make Sailors feel comfortable to refer themselves, because after there's an alcohol-related incident, it's too late."

A Sailor who may have a problem can be treated through the Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Program (SARP), which offers a variety of programs to help break dependency. Following successful treatment, Sailors return to their commands and the DAPAs help them maintain an aftercare plan. The aftercare ensures that positive behaviors taught at SARP are implemented into the Sailors' daily lives.

Privacy concerns for Sailors who refer themselves or are referred is paramount. Screenings are conducted in private and confidentiality is maintained throughout the process, however long the treatment or aftercare may continue.

"If a Sailor is going to have the fortitude and honesty to refer themselves, then it's not just command policy to maintain their privacy, it becomes a common courtesy and respect issue," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Fuels) 1st Class John Quillin, assistant DAPA. "We want the program to be approachable. We can't help people if they're staying away because they're worried about the consequences."

Enterprise Aims CIWS Right on Target

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (EXW) Stacy D. Laseter, USS Enterprise Public Affairs

USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Enterprise (CVN 65) conducted a precision aim and calibration test fire of her aft close-in weapon system (CIWS) May 24.

The ship had tested the system several times while at sea to ensure the system would work properly during this live–fire exercise.

"This is basically preliminary testing," said Fire Controlman 2nd Class (SW) Maurice B. Richardson. "We have to make sure that it tracks and shoots effectively."

The CIWS shoots 4,500 22 millimeter tungsten rounds per minute. It is the last line of defense for carriers, so ensuring that it is in top working order is of the utmost importance to the ship and crew.

"The CIWS can track missiles or other threats from one nautical mile away," said Richardson.

The success of the test fire was in large part the result of the Sailors that operate the system and keep its maintenance schedule a top priority.

"The CIWS fired all 500 rounds without a hitch," said Richardson. "We are happy that it's over because that is a major item that must be operational for the ship."

Hundreds of systems across the ship must be tested, inspected and certified before the ship can deploy. Since departing from the ship's recent extended maintenance period, the crew has rapidly qualified in many areas.

Enterprise and Carrier Air Wing 1 are underway conducting work-ups for the ship's 21st deployment.

USS Defender Celebrates the 50th Anniversary of U.S. – Japan Security Treaty

By Lt. j.g. Christopher Cupp, USS Defender Public Affairs

May 27, 2010 - OKINAWA, Japan (NNS) -- USS Defender (MCM 2) departed Okinawa, Japan May 24 after a five-day port visit. During the visit, the crew conducted personnel exchanges and celebrated the 50th anniversary of the U.S.-Japan Security Treaty with Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) counterparts.

Defender hosted members of the JMSDF minesweeping community for tours the Avenger-class mine sweeper. Many of the Japanese sailors were interested in the number of crew members on a U.S. minesweep and noted that they use the same variable depth sonar for minehunting.

U.S. Sailors also visited the JS Hachijyo (MSO 303) and JS Aoshima (MSC 689) as well as the JMSDF minesweeping support vessel JS Uraga (MST 463). Uraga is designed to provide supplies and fuel to underway minesweepers for both U.S. Navy and JMSDF ships.

"Getting the chance to tour the ships of our Japanese [mine warfare] counterparts was extremely eye opening and rewarding," said Defender Mineman 2nd Class Martin Ballman.

Defender practiced astern refueling with Uraga, working together with the JMSDF minesweepers and Uraga to develop standard procedures for astern refueling.

After the ship tours and meetings ended, both U.S. and Japanese Sailors got together on the beach for a tug-of-war competition, picnic and barbeque. The events gave the two navies another avenue to continue to get to know one another and better understand each other.

"It was great having the opportunity to interact with and build international friendships with JMSDF personnel. Everyone appeared to really enjoy it," said Lt.j.g. Matthew Schaefer, Defender's supply officer.

Signed on January 19, 1960, by President Dwight D. Eisenhower and Japanese Prime Minister Nobusuke Kishi, the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security between the United States and Japan has served as the basis for the strong navy-to-navy relationship between the two countries.

Defender is one of four Avenger-class mine countermeasure ships forward deployed to Sasebo, Japan. She reports to Commander, Amphibious Force 7th Fleet, Rear Adm. Richard Landolt, whose headquarters is located in Okinawa, Japan.

General Officer Assignment

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates announced today that the President has nominated Army Lt. Gen. Francis H. Kearney III, for reappointment to the rank of lieutenant general and assignment as deputy director for Strategic Operational Planning Directorate, National Counter Terrorism Center, Washington, D.C. Kearney is currently serving as deputy commander, U. S. Special Operations Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Fla.

Enterprise Encourages Focus on Safety during Memorial Day Weekend

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Tracey L. Whitley, USS Enterprise Public Affairs

May 27, 2010 - USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS) -- Sailors and Marines aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65) worked relentlessly during the ship's 17-day underway period, completing a wide-range of the qualifications May 27 required to become operational after a more than two-year maintenance availability.

With "Big E" completing these qualifications and entering the work-up phase ahead of schedule, the ship will be pulling into her homeport of Norfolk just in time for one of the biggest holiday weekends of the year.

The Memorial Day weekend, signifies the start of summer and is a breeding ground for safety mishaps. This occurs coincidentally at a time that is critical in the carrier's life.

"Every Sailor and Marine aboard this ship is essential, and we want each one to come back here the same way they leave – happy, healthy and safe," said Cmdr. Daniel A. Haight Jr., the ship's safety officer.

Naval Safety Center statistics from the past decade show that in some years, half of the total Navy and Marine Corps traffic deaths occurred during the 101 critical days of summer, which begins June 1. Factors such as driving under the influence, fatigue, excessive speed and not wearing a seatbelt caused most of the fatalities.

Between Memorial and Labor Day weekend last summer, 24 Sailors and 15 Marines were lost due to off-duty mishaps. Most of these incidents were traffic-related.

"People often let the excitement of having a good time cloud their judgment," said Haight. "During these critical days of summer, we end up losing a lot of our people because they fail to plan properly."

Sailors are encouraged to be aware of summertime risks and to integrate Operational Risk Management (ORM) into their plans. The lingering possibility for injury is frequently overlooked in anticipation of cookouts, beach parties and theme parks.

"Using ORM is as simple as thinking ahead about your activities and considering what can cause injury. Behaviors like responsible alcohol consumption, playing sports within one's own skill level and physical ability, defensive driving, and going to the beach with friends are all great ways to manage off-duty risks," said Haight.

By remembering that safety is key to maintaining the Navy's most valuable asset, its Sailors, injury risks can be reduced dramatically, and every Sailor will have a much more enjoyable summer. Taking just a few extra precautions this holiday can help make it a weekend filled with fun, not tragic, memories.

SBT-22 Supports Trail of Honor

By Chief Mass Communication Specialist Kathryn Whittenberger, Naval Special Warfare Group 4 Public Affairs

May 27, 2010 - JACKSON, Miss. (NNS) -- Special Boat Team 22, the only command in the Department of Defense specifically designated to conduct special operations in riverine environments, participated in the annual Trail of Honor and Run for the Wall May 22-24.

Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewmen (SWCC) demonstrated the capabilities of their highly-specialize Special Operations Craft-Riverine during the annual Trail of Honor. The event itself is a chance to explore reenactments, as well as meet heroes, such ex-POWs, Congressional Medal of Honor Recipients and Pearl Harbor survivors.

"This event showcases the whole evolution of warfare and the American spirit," said Special Warfare Boat Operator 2nd Class (SWCC) Damon Deravin, who recently returned from Iraq. "It means a lot to all of these veterans that we took the time to come up here, but when a Medal of Honor recipient is thanking you for your service, it's unreal. We're honored just to be able to listen to their stories."

For the SWCC, a chance to interact with their own history, the Vietnam-era Gamewardens of River Division 593, in particularly Navy Cross recipient Dave Larsen, was a highlight, even among the dozens of other American heroes who attended.

"Last year I told my family it was one of the coolest events of my life. I couldn't stop talking about it, so I volunteered to come back this year," said Special Boat Warfare Operator 2nd Class (SWCC) Jason Woodall, who has deployed to Iraq since being attached to SBT-22. "I've never seen anything like it. There are so many heroes here at the same time. It's like reading a history book, but the pages are walking around, and telling their stories."

This is the first year the Vietnam Memorial Traveling Wall was part of the Trail of Honor. The Wall is a three-fifths of the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, standing six feet tall in the center and almost 300 feet long. The Wall is a reminder of the sacrifices made during the Vietnam War, and allows those who otherwise could not travel to Washington to chance to see it.

The Trail grew out of the Wall stopping in Jackson year after year. The owner of the local Harley Davidson dealership offered to feed the hundreds of bikers who escort the Wall from California to Washington in the Run For the Wall. The first year, 2003, a single civil war cannon was the only military display. This year, the trail had replicas and reenactments from every American military conflict since the French-Indian War, demonstrations from the Army's jump team the Black Daggers, and displays from dozens of organizations that support the military and their families.

A formal ceremony was held to recognize all of the heroes present. One of those, Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Army Maj. Bruce Crandall, retired, said that for him, the war ended April 9, when four of his men who had been MIA were found and returned to their families. He thanked all those who had worked to find them, and ensure that they were properly remembered.

The audience for his speech ranged from members of Congress to hundreds of bikers but all had one thing in common - the wish to recognize those who had honorably served their country. "Freedom's not free, the burden of maintaining it is carried on the shoulders of men and women who made sacrifices," said Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour during the ceremony. "It's altogether fitting and proper to come together to remember and celebrate these people."

Mullen: Proposed Legislation Retains Prerogative

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

May 27, 2010 - The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said yesterday that he's comfortable with proposed legislation that seeks to repeal the law that bans gay men and lesbians from serving openly in the military because it includes "very clear language" that gives senior leaders the final say in whether it's implemented.

The proposed amendment, which Congress could put to a vote as soon as this week, wouldn't immediately go into effect if passed, Navy Adm. Mike Mullen told about 500 servicemembers at a town hall session here.

Implementation wouldn't take place until after a Defense Department study assessing its impact is completed, the chairman explained, and military and defense leaders get to weigh in on the findings.

The review, expected to be completed by December, is progressing well, the chairman said, "but by no means is it over."

Mullen said he's particularly interested in determining how the law's repeal would affect "readiness, unit cohesion and our ability to do our mission." That, he said, requires input from the people directly affected.

"That was what was behind making sure we surveyed our people and our families -- to understand ... the potential impact," he told the group. "And I, as a senior military leader in the country, feel obligated to make sure I understand that, so should it change, I can lead that and understand what the impacts are."

After reviewing results of the study, Mullen, the service chiefs and Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates would provide their recommendations to President Barack Obama. "So having that information will inform me and our leaders about what our recommendations will be," he said.

Mullen called the "certification trigger" provided in the proposed amendment critical.

"The language in there right now preserves my prerogative – and I believe, my responsibility – to give the best military advice," he said.

"That trigger is to certify whether we should move ahead with that change, even if the law were to repeal it," he told a reporter following the session.

Mullen brought up the issue at the end of his town hall session, after no one had asked about it. He occasionally gets questions about it when he meets with servicemembers, the chairman told reporters traveling with him, but just as often doesn't. "I haven't found it to be a particularly burning issue," he said.

Department of Military Affairs furlough day set for Friday, May 28

Date: May 26, 2010

Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs (DMA) will operate on a limited basis on Friday, May 28 as state employees take one of 16 furlough days required for all state workers over the next two years. DMA will resume regular business hours on Tuesday, June 1, following Memorial Day.

The Department of Military Affairs (DMA) includes Joint Force Headquarters-Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Army National Guard, the Wisconsin Air National Guard, and the Wisconsin Division of Emergency Management (WEM). The furlough primarily affects DMA employees at JFHQ, 2400 Wright St. in Madison.

Wisconsin National Guard federal employees are not affected by this furlough requirement. Brig. Gen. Don Dunbar, the adjutant general of Wisconsin, said plans are in place to mitigate the impact of the furlough requirements. For example, the Wisconsin National Guard's Joint Operations Center (JOC) and the 24-Hour Emergency Management Duty Officer System will remain fully operational.

Acting WEM Administrator, Scott Legwold, has ensured that if a disaster or emergency should occur on May 28, there are staff available to respond to the scene and to work in the state Emergency Operations Center.

NMCSD's Announces New Psychological Health Pathways Program

By Lt. James Keener, Naval Medical Center San Diego Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Naval Medical Center San Diego (NMCSD) Mental Health Department, in close consultation with the Naval Center for Combat and Operational Stress Control, instituted the Psychological Health Pathways (PHP) Program May 25.

The PHP program is designed to improve mental health care for service members who have served in Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF).

Providing the highest quality mental health care for service members and their families stationed in San Diego is a principal goal for the Mental Health Department at NMCSD, and safeguarding and strengthening mental health needs of service members is especially important as OIF and OEF continue.

The PHP program was implemented in August 2009 and streamlines, standardizes and manages the treatment of service members returning from combat zones requiring mental health services. The program provides a wide-range of services to service members including assessing mental health symptoms and needs, recommending appropriate comprehensive evidenced based treatments and tracking patient progress in treatment through case management meetings and via a trauma registry to ensure active duty and discharged veterans have follow-up care at new commands.

Service members requiring mental health care will receive a comprehensive and standardized assessment that identifies a wide range of potential services. Then a case manager, mental health provider and the service member collaborate to determine the ideal treatment or combination of evidenced based treatments for the individual.

"Case management services reduce the providers' workload, allowing them to focus their energy on treating the service member and in-turn reducing provider burnout," said Lt. Cmdr. Lesley Ross, Psychological Health Pathways Program psychiatrist. "With the extra time, providers are also able to engage in professional development activities, such as attending up-to-date training and educational activities, so they can stay on top of trends in treatment."

Once the service member starts to receive treatment, progress is tracked closely by the highly trained and licensed PHP program staff who continuously assess the service member's progress toward treatment goals.

Numerous advanced mental health treatments are available at NMCSD including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Prolonged Exposure therapy, medication management and comprehensive substance abuse treatment.

"We are committed to providing timely care which is evidenced based, empirically validated and outcome driven so that everyone receives the highest level of care," Ross said.

Due to the large number of returning combat veterans in need of treatment, the PHP program hired additional social workers and registered nurse case managers in March, providing full service psychological case management for returning veterans.

People of Hawaii Honor Military Ohana

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Mark Logico, Commander, Navy Region Hawaii Public Affairs

HONOLULU (NNS) -- More than a thousand joint military service members participated in a parade in Honolulu May 22 to celebrate Military Appreciation Month.

Themed "Aloha to Our Military Ohana – Then and Now," the event was hosted by the United Services Organizations (USO) Hawaii, BAE Systems, TriWest Health Care Alliance and the City and County of Honolulu to honor all military active duty service members, Reservists, wounded warriors, military retirees and veterans.

According to the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii website, the event celebrates the military's presence in the islands, and it is a way to extend deepest appreciation for the military's vital contributions to the social, cultural, and economic well-being of the Hawaii Ohana.

"We are part of a bigger picture of celebration for the Military Appreciation Month," said USO Hawaii Director Eva Laird Smith. "This is a culminating event where the USO partners with a lot of community supporters. We are here today to honor the military, their services to the country, especially to Hawaii."

The parade, which began at Fort DeRussy, featured marching units, marching bands, color guards, military vehicles and veterans from past years.

Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class (SW) Nicholas Dempsey, assigned to the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, attended the event with his wife and two children. He participated in the parade by joining the Navy's marching unit, comprised of various commands.

"I enjoyed it," Dempsey said. "It felt really good parading down the street. Everything afterward has been really fun. My kids have been enjoying it. It's really a good thing for the community to do to show their support for the military."

The parade ended at Kapiolani Park, where military families and civilians were treated to food booths and live music entertainment. Local entertainers Danny Kaleikini and Carole Kai hosted the live entertainment at the event, and Honolulu Zoo opened its doors to military families for free crafts, games and zoo visits.

Chief Culinary Specialist (SW) Randy Basat and Sailors assigned to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam gave away free hotdogs at Kapiolani Park as a way to give back to the community.

"We are here to support the military appreciation day," said Basat. "We are in the military, and we like to give back to our own military because they are our family."

At the event, Smith reminded people of the many military members who are deployed. Smith said that she misses them very much.

"They are never so far away from our hearts, and even when we enjoy ourselves in celebration of this month for them, our thoughts are never too far away from them," said Smith. "We wish them well. We wish them safety."

Hard Rock Café Gets Fleet Week Rocking

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Richard J. Stevens

NEW YORK (NNS) -- Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) hosted a Fleet Week New York City 2010 kick—off party at the Hard Rock Café May 26 with free food and a concert by the rock-band Fuel for Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen.

Hard Rock opens its doors for this event and the troops every year, it was an exciting experience for newcomers to Fleet Week.

"This is our welcome to Fleet Week," said Melissa E. Forrester, special events coordinator for MWR Naval Submarine Base Groton, Conn. "We're all about morale and we want our service members to have a great time. It's great morale and awesome recreation. It's going to be a good night."

"I fully support the troops," said Brett Scallions, lead singer and rhythm guitarist. "You guys need some rest after being out to sea for seven months."

"I can't wait to get on stage," Scallions said.

The rock bank "Fuel," rallied the crowd of service members by a motivating stage presence that invoked audience involvement.

Ken Schalk hammered his drums to support the wall of electrified sounds of guitars and vocals.

Fuel's lead guitarist, Yogi Lonich, dressed as an Elvis Presley impersonator for some of the songs.

Fleet Week is the city's way of celebrating the sea services. It has been held nearly every year since 1984. It provides an opportunity for citizens of New York City and the surrounding Tri-state area to meet Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, as well as see, first-hand, the latest capabilities of today's maritime services.

Approximately 3,000 Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen will participate in the 22nd commemoration of Fleet Week New York May 26 - June 2.

In additional to public visitation of participating ships, there will be a number of exhibits highlighting technology of the maritime services and the skilled expertise of our service members.

Obama: Guardsmen Can Aid Intelligence, Interdiction at Border

By Lisa Daniel
American Forces Press Service

May 27, 2010 - An agreement to send hundreds of additional National Guardsmen to the southwestern U.S. border is one part of a comprehensive approach needed for immigration reform, President Barack Obama said today.

Obama spoke briefly to reporters about his decision announced earlier this week to authorize as many as 1,200 Guard members to the border during a White House news conference that had focused on the oil spill off the Louisiana coast.

Asked by a reporter about the Guard-deployment plan in light of a new Arizona law to crack down on illegal immigration, Obama said the plan was shaped last year.

"So this is not simply in response to the Arizona law, the president said. The plan became public earlier this week after Obama met with Arizona Sen. John McCain, who has requested more federal resources along the border.

Obama called immigration "inherently the job of the federal government," and said sending Guardsmen would be a basic step in securing the border before other reforms are implemented through legislation.

"I don't see these issues solely in isolation," Obama said of the layers of concerns along the border. "We're not going to solve the problem solely by sending National Guard troops down there. We're going to do it by creating a fair and humane immigration framework."

National Guard troops can help with intelligence work, drug and human trafficking interdiction, and relieving border guards on security tasks so they can do more law enforcement, the president said. "So there are a lot of functions that they can carry out that helps leverage and increase the resources available in this area," he said.

In 2006, about 6,000 National Guard members participated in Operation Jump Start in Arizona, California, New Mexico and Texas. In accordance with federal law, Guardsmen do not serve in direct law enforcement roles, but provide reinforcement to the U.S. Border Patrol. Their missions included engineering, aviation, entry identification teams and a wide range of technical, logistical and administrative support.

National Security Advisor James L. Jones and Deputy National Security Advisor for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism and Presidential Assistant John O. Brennan sent a May 25 letter to Michigan Sen. Carl Levin, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, explaining the administration's decision not to send a specific number of Guardsmen, as one Senate amendment calls for. More than 300 National Guardsmen already are working in counternarcotics duty along the border, they wrote, and more than $1 billion has been secured to deal with drugs and violence along the border.

In authorizing as many as 1,200 Guardsmen to address "evolving border-related challenges," the administration is avoiding deploying an arbitrary number of personnel, the letter says.

"The president is committed to a strategic approach, consisting of a requirements-based, temporary utilization of up to 1,200 additional National Guard troops to bridge to longer-term enhancements in border protection and [federal] law enforcement personnel," the letter says.

MILITARY CONTRACTS May 27, 2010

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

Sterlingwear of Boston, Inc.*, Boston, Mass. is being awarded a maximum $36,700,000 firm-fixed-price, total set-aside, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for men's and women's overcoats. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Air Force. The original proposal was Web solicited with five responses. The date of performance completion is Nov. 27, 2011. The Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SPM1C1-10-D-1077).

Aviall Services, Dallas, Texas, is being awarded a maximum $17,325,000 firm-fixed-price, sole-source contract for helicopter engine parts. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Army. There was one proposal originally solicited with one response. The date of performance completion is May 30, 2013. The Defense Logistics Agency Philadelphia (DSCR-AHB), Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (SPRRA1-10-D-0015).

AIR FORCE

Alion Science and Technology Corp., Chicago, Ill., was awarded a $24,761,763 contract which will provide for research development for Air Force Research Laboratory for critical live, virtual and constructive environments. At this time, $99,206 has been obligated. 55 CONS/LGCD, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., is the contracting activity (N61339-03-D-0300, Delivery Order 0246).

Alion Science and Technology Corp., Chicago, Ill., was awarded a $24,251,273 contract which will provide research and engineering integration of Department of Defense manned and unmanned ground vehicle systems. At this time, $4,405,506 has been obligated. 55 CONS/LGCD, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., is the contracting activity (N61339-03-D-0300, Delivery Order 0248).

Wyle Laboratories, Huntsville, Ala., was awarded a $23,809,521 contract which will conduct engineering, analysis and testing tasks to facilitate a reliability improvement, parts obsolescence problems, and identify corrective actions that can be taken to eliminate or control problems. At this time, $125,984 has been obligated. 55 CONS/LGCD, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., is the contracting activity (HC1047-05-D-4005).

Booz Allen & Hamilton, Inc., Herndon, Va., was awarded a $12,321,308 contract which will provide Joint Program Analysis and Integration Office survivability/vulnerability scientific and technical analysis. At this time, $3,214,286 has been obligated. 55 CONS/LGCD, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., is the contracting activity (SP0700-03-D-1380).

Booz Allen & Hamilton, Inc., Herndon, Va., was awarded an $11,904,222 contract which will provide survivability/vulnerability analysis and assessment. At this time, $347,222 has been obligated. 55 CONS/LGCD, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., is the contracting activity (SP0700-98-D-4002, Delivery Order 0410).

Raytheon Co., Intelligence and Information Systems, Reston, Va., was awarded an $11,350,052 contract which will provide Transportable Ground Receive Suite terminals. At this time, no funds have been obligated. 653 ELSG/KCK, Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., is the contracting activity (FA8628-06-C-2066 P00072).

L-3 Services, Inc., Herndon, Va., was awarded a $6,050,543 contract which will provide intelligence analysis; operations and planning; targeting; collection management; support analysis and production support; and information systems sustainment support in the U.S. European Command area of responsibility. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. 700 CONS/LGCD, Kapaun Air Station, Germany, is the contracting activity (FA5613-09-D-5000-0016).

NAVY

TolTest, Inc., Maumee, Ohio, is being awarded $8,644,201 for firm-fixed-price task order #0005 under a multiple-award construction contract (N69450-08-D-1283) for design and construction to replace a JP-5 fuel storage tank at U.S. Naval Base Guantanamo Bay. The proposed work includes replacement of the fuel storage tank, backup diesel generator, tank stilling wells, and paved dike access road. Work will be performed in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and is expected to be completed by November 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Three proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southeast, Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity.

L-3 Communications Corp., Arlington, Texas, is being awarded a $10,686,851 firm-fixed-price modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00019-04-D-0110) for additional logistics support services for the Navy's C-40A aircraft fleet. Services to be provided include site activation; site support at Naval Air Station (NAS) Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base, Fort Worth, Texas, NAS Jacksonville, Fla., and NAS North Island, Calif.; inventory management and support, to include tracking and control of government- and contractor-owned inventory; depot-level support, scheduled and unscheduled; drop-in maintenance; component repair and overhaul of government- and contractor-owned inventory; replacement of government- and contractor-owned inventory; contractor field teams; and engine condition monitoring. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas (22 percent); NAS Jacksonville, Fla. (22 percent); NAS North Island, Calif. (22 percent); Oklahoma City, Okla. (20 percent); Arlington, Texas (8 percent); and Tulsa, Okla. (6 percent). Work is expected to be completed in November 2010. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., Stratford, Conn., is being awarded a $7,079,047 firm-fixed-price modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00019-07-D-0004) to exercise an option for the VH-60N executive helicopter special progressive aircraft rework induction. Work will be performed in Stratford, Conn., and is expected to be completed in September 2011. Contract funds in the amount of $7,079,047 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $6,376,999 firm-fixed-price delivery order against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-05-G-0026) for the procurement of 144 kits in support of engineering change proposal #6282, "Fatigue Test Article 50/Fatigue Test Article 77 Post-Cost Reduction Initiative Inner Wing Retrofit Out of Warranty Kits," for the F/A-18E/F aircraft. Work will be performed in St. Louis, Mo., and is expected to be completed in January 2015. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

MCPON Encourages Safety During Memorial Day Weekend

From Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The following Memorial Day message was released by Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Rick West May 27:

"Before we head out for the Memorial Day weekend, I want to stress just how valuable every Sailor and their families are to our great Navy. As you know, Memorial Day weekend kicks off our summer safety season. The summer season brings the potential for increased risk. More people are on the roadways and waterways, more sporting activities occur and more parties are scheduled.

In 2009, between Memorial Day and Labor Day, we lost 24 Sailors; 14 were killed in PMV (personal motor vehicle) mishaps (eight in automobiles and six on motorcycles); two were pedestrians; and there were eight fatalities during off-duty/recreation (half involved drowning).

Navy data continues to show a decrease in PMV fatalities, as a direct result of leadership efforts and the efforts of Sailors, but we still have work to do. Fifty percent of our shipmates who died last summer in automobile mishaps weren't wearing seatbelts. Fifty percent of the riders who died on motorcycles hadn't completed the required training. Over the years, we have lost far too many of our shipmates and their loved ones.

You all know the stories behind these losses; some have used alcohol then got behind the wheel; others traveled without getting the right amount of sleep the night before, and some may have been distracted. We have all heard the recent stories of cell phone usage and texting that has resulted in accidents, but there are so many things that we do that draws our attention away from the issue at hand. In fact, nationally, nearly 80 percent of crashes and 65 percent of near-crashes involved some sort of driver inattention!

But it is not just our own behavior that we need to be aware of; over the years thousands of our shipmates and their family members have died due to the mistakes of other drivers. I expect our chief's mess to take charge of this effort. Nothing is more important than the safety of our Sailors and their families. I expect our chiefs to have face to face conversations with each Sailor before they go on liberty this weekend to raise their awareness.

To help you with these conversations, use the many resources at our disposal via the Safety Center Web site at: www.safetycenter.navy.mil.

I want all of our Sailors to have a plan of success in place and to enjoy this weekend and the summer ahead spending quality time with their families and friends. In order to do this, we need to stop and think; evaluate all of the possibilities and put measures in place to mitigate or eliminate the risk entirely. If our Sailors or their families will be involved in high risk activities, have them make sure that they have all of the necessary training and the proper equipment. They wouldn't jump out of a plane without both the training and a parachute; the same philosophy should apply for any other activity that they plan to participate in. Risk management or ORM (operational risk management) is really nothing more than common sense, and it applies both on and off duty!

Make sure our Sailors minimize their risks by drinking responsibly, use designated drivers and the buddy system; swim only in designated areas; and during the early morning hours, when the likelihood of encountering a drunk or drowsy driver is the greatest, they should all be in a safe place and not on the road.

I wish our Sailors and their families a great holiday weekend. Enjoy your families and some well-deserved down time. But more importantly, may we all have a safe Navy and Marine Corps Summer.

Finally, during this weekend take the time to remember two groups; those that provided the ultimate sacrifice and all of our service members currently standing watch around the globe, they enable us to enjoy the precious freedoms we hold so dear.

Mullens Honored for Support of Families of Fallen

By Elaine Wilson
American Forces Press Service

May 27, 2010 - The nation's top military officer and his wife were singled out for their ongoing commitment to families of fallen servicemembers at the U.S. Capitol building here today. The Gold Star Wives of America presented Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and his wife, Deborah, with an appreciation award for their efforts on behalf of survivors and their families during the organization's annual congressional reception.

The Gold Star Wives is an organization of military widows and widowers whose spouses died while on active duty or from service-connected disabilities.

The ceremony came at a fitting time with Memorial Day so close at hand, Mullen noted.

"I'm reminded today ... coming into this very important weekend of remembrance that we should never forget the sacrifice," he said.

The chairman pledged his ongoing support of families of the fallen, and vowed to continue his efforts to find more ways to remember and honor their sacrifice.

"Sometimes it's easier in the beginning to do that because of the currency of the event," he acknowledged. "What's really important is that we sustain that love, devotion, passion and remembrance for as long as we live."

Mullen said one of his priorities is to ensure all military families – whether they include veterans, wounded servicemembers, active or reserve members or survivors – are embraced by their communities to meet their immediate and long-term needs.

The chairman stressed the need for a "seamless joining" of the departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs and communities across the nation to "welcome these heroes back to communities."

All must "join hands together to make sure we maximize the opportunities in meeting the needs of our young veterans as they return home after these very difficult wars," he said. "And not lose one family who has lost someone."

Mullen reiterated his ongoing commitment to families of the fallen.

"We really are honored to serve, to try and make a difference, and we'll continue to do that," he said. "Your loss, your sacrifice is the most significant, the ultimate, and the one we need to ensure we are focused on and never, ever forget."

The chairman's wife also acknowledged the immense sacrifice made by military families, and praised the Gold Star Wives for their work on their behalf.

"We believe that none of us does this alone," she said. "It has to be one large team of people working in concert to take care of the families who have lost people, to the families who have wounded members, to those who come back with the unseen and the seen wounds of war.

"This is not just about the military or the VA. It is about all of us in our country," she continued. "And you represent an important part of that. We will never forget your service, but most importantly, we'll never forget the heart you have, the caring heart, for those people like you who have lost a loved one."

Old Guard Soldiers Put 'Flags In' at Arlington Cemetery

By Ian Graham
Emerging Media, Defense Media Activity

May 27, 2010 - More than 1,500 servicemembers from the "Old Guard" and other ceremonial units gathered at Arlington National Cemetery today for a sacred ritual marking the start of the Memorial Day weekend observance.

The men and women, representing all the services and Coast Guard, carried rucksacks full of small American flags, performing the time-honored Flags In event of marking the cemetery's more than 350,000 white headstones with the stars and stripes.

"This is one of the many distinct honors entrusted to the Old Guard," Army Maj. Rosy Poulos, 3rd Infantry public affairs officer, said. "They're out here until every flag is placed, whether that's 6:30 or 9:30 [p.m.]"

Sgt. Patrick Smith, from the Old Guard's B Company, has placed flags in the cemetery for the past three years. Though the work is repetitive, he said, he considers it an honor.

"It's a good way to honor the fallen, the ones who gave so many years of their lives, or their life itself, to the service of our country," he said.

Smith said once he starts to see the headstones, and reads as he places each flag, a feeling of respect and reverence takes over.

"Once you start walking, and you see the headstones, there's a certain connection, sort of an esprit de corps," Smith said. "You see them and you get a feeling for how many have given their lives. It doesn't matter what rank they held or what service they were a part of, each are treated as honorably as the other, they each get a flag."

Staff Sgt. Rob Woodring placed flags for the first time today. At first he wasn't sure what to expect, beyond the task itself. But he said it's impossible not to feel a connection when surrounded by generations of servicemembers.

"These people all gave their lives to the military, and to our country, whether they're here because they dedicated their lives to service or gave their lives in service," he said.

Flags-in has been performed annually since 1948 when the Old Guard was named the Army's official ceremonial unit. The Old Guard includes the guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Continental Color Guard and all Army funerals at Arlington National Cemetery. The flags will be removed early June 1 before the cemetery opens.

Each flag is centered precisely one foot in front of the headstone. Many soldiers use gloves equipped with wood, plastic, or metal plates to protect their hands as they place, on average, more than 230 flags each. Though some said they'd like a cooler day, none complained about the task itself.

"We're part of something special," Master Sgt. Kristine Zielinski said. "We get to honor our comrades."

HURREX: Navy Region Hawaii Trains with Ombudsmen

By Seaman (SW) Rachel Swiatnicki, Commander, Navy Region Hawaii Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- Commander, Navy Region Hawaii (CNRH) completed a hurricane readiness exercise (HURREX) on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH) May 24-27 to prepare for hurricane season.

Public announcements and training were two of the ways CNRH prepared. "HURREX is part of a Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam operation to prepare us for emergencies," said Larry Sabatine, deputy emergency management officer. "Every year when we do these HURREXs we train a little bit better."

A new addition to the exercise was the inclusion of Navy Region ombudsmen.

"Ombudsmen are a great advocate to get the word out," said Sabatine.

A few of an ombudsman's roles in a disaster include supporting Sailors and families during the recovery phase, coordinating food and clothing drives, and providing accurate information and updates between the command and their families.

Teresa Espiritu is the ombudsman coordinator from Fleet and Family Support Center. One of her roles is to coordinate Navy Region Ombudsman during a time of crisis or disaster by sending notifications to Navy families and updating Navy leadership.

"I let all the key players know that ombudsmen have great information and can help out for these exercises to ensure readiness for the families if a hurricane were to hit," said Espiritu.

During the exercise, JBPHH commands broke out checklists and inventories and executed the proper steps as if there was a real hurricane. Commands also made sure that family contact information was up-to-date.

"Even though the base is going through the exercise, hopefully the Sailors and active duty members are going home and talking to their spouses," said Sabatine.

"This whole HURREX is also a public awareness thing. It is a time for everyone to focus. You won't have time worrying about having a kit, water, and money set aside. You don't want to be thinking about that when the hurricane is 24 hours out; it's kind of too late. It's time for everyone to look at how prepared they are."

Exercises Will Aim to Stabilize Korean Tensions

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

May 27, 2010 - Upcoming training exercises for the U.S. and South Korean militaries following North Korea's sinking of a South Korean navy ship are designed to help in controlling and stabilizing the situation, not to escalate tensions, the top U.S. military officer said yesterday during a visit to Colorado Springs, Colo. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told reporters at Peterson Air Force Base that the exercises are part of "strong measures" to address North Korea's sinking of the frigate Cheonan on March 26. The attack left 46 South Korean sailors dead.

Mullen called the incident a "blatant act" from an unpredictable North Korea. "It is very clear to all of us that have looked at the evidence" there's "no question that they did it," he said.

U.S.-South Korean anti-submarine warfare exercises in the planning stages will help to build capabilities to help prevent a repeat attack, he said. These exercises, the admiral noted, will present difficult technical and tactical challenges, particularly in light of shallow operating waters.

"[But] it's a skill set we are going to press on, because clearly, we don't want that to happen again," Mullen said. "We don't want to give that option to North Korea in the future. We want to take it away."

Citing North Korea's threat to sever all relations with South Korea and its history of cyclical violence against the south, Mullen expressed concern that the Cheonan sinking could be more than an isolated incident.

"North Korea is predictable in one sense: that it is unpredictable in what it is going to do," Mullen said. "North Korea goes through these cycles. I worry a great deal that this is not the last thing we are going to see.

"I think it's important that we are vigilant on this," he added.

Mullen emphasized that all plans regarding North Korea – such as those for any contingencies around the world – include "off ramps" aimed at deescalating tensions. "It's a part of our thought. It is in everything we do," he said. "So very naturally, it is part of how we are thinking about this."

He emphasized, however, that this approach doesn't signal impotence or weakness. "Whatever happens in the future, I think there will be strong measures," he said. "But they are not designed to escalate. They are designed to control and to stabilize."

The North Korean military has weakened, Mullen conceded, but still has the capabilities to inflict "a lot of damage," particularly in light of its proximity to Seoul.

Meanwhile, Mullen noted strides being made within the South Korean military. Working in close cooperation with U.S. Forces Korea, it's on a path to assuming wartime operational control of its forces in 2012.

"They have a lot more confidence in themselves, and so do we," Mullen said.

North Carolina public affairs officer meets with Moldovan counterparts

By Spc. Lindley S. Bess
North Carolina National Guard

(5/19/10) -- The North Carolina National Guard and Moldova Ministry of Defense wrote a new chapter in their State Partnership Program relationship with the first ever Public Affairs office exchange this month.

Army Maj. Matt Handley, the North Carolina National Guard state public affairs officer, met with 12 members of the Moldovan Ministry of Defense Public Affairs Office here at the headquarters to exchange best practices and build mutual cooperation.

The meeting was initiated by Maj. Alexandru Josan, the chief of Public Affairs for the Ministry of Defense.

“We were honored to have Major Handley share his vast experience to the Moldovan public affairs junior officers, because it was an approach solidly grounded in professional practice and creative learning,” said Josan. “Public affairs is a delicate dance between finding the right words and projecting the right image.

“In this respect, I’m inclined to believe the seminar helped understand how we can better communicate information about our government or specific agencies to the citizenry, so they can make informed choices.”

The five days of seminars involved discussions on the structure of the North Carolina public affairs office, how the North Carolina Guard works with civilian media, uses military journalists in communication programs, and case studies on crisis communications.

The Moldova public affairs office shared their structure and processes as well. The MOD military mass media center, led by Moldovan Lt. Col. Ion Vulpe, produces a 20-minute television show every two weeks, a weekly radio program, and an eight-page newspaper twice a month. They also post news and information to their Website in English and Romanian and maintain the official web log of the MOD.

The public affairs professionals shared examples of their work and gave Handley a complete tour of their facilities.

“This has been a great first step in what I see as long relationship of cooperation in public affairs and military journalism of our two offices,” said Handley. “The Moldovan Ministry of Defense public affairs office is very talented and produces some great products.”

Handley said all Moldovan public affairs specialists or journalists hold a journalism or public relations degree, have extensive civilian public affairs experience, or a combination of both.

“We found real common ground in many areas and I hope that some of them will visit us in North Carolina in the future.” Handley said.

Josan is a graduate of the Public Affairs Officer Qualification Course at the U.S. Department of Defense Information School, the premier training center for all U.S. DoD military journalists, public affairs specialists, artists and broadcasters. A second Moldovan public affairs officer, Maj. Diana Gradinaru, is scheduled to attend the course this summer.

Another public affairs team from the U.S. European Command is scheduled to visit at the end of May to continue the exchange.

Handley and Army Capts. Lance Gaither and Joseph Ljubicic, of the North Carolina Guard’s Joint Forces Headquarters, will continue to lay the groundwork for peacekeeping familiarizations that are scheduled for August.

In addition to North Carolina Guardsmen who will work with the Moldovan peacekeeping soldiers, the North Carolina public affairs office will incorporate a public affairs Soldier to cover the event and work jointly with the Moldovan MOD public affairs personnel.

The North Carolina – Moldova Partnership was formalized in 1999 through the NATO State Partnership Program. This program is a Department of Defense initiative, engaging developing democracies around the world and matching them with individual states through military alliances and into civilian commerce based relationships.

This partnership is a bilateral association with planning committees in both North Carolina and the republic of Moldova, who work together in a cooperative effort to improve and enrich the lives of everyone it touches.

Groundbreaking Ceremony Begins Military Construction Project at Mina Salman Port

MANAMA, Bahrain (NNS) -- The government of Bahrain and the U.S. Navy hosted a groundbreaking ceremony at Mina Salman Port May 26 marking the beginning of a military construction project that will develop 70 acres on the waterfront to support U.S. and coalition ships and personnel.

"NSA Bahrain continues to grow to better support ongoing operations around the region," said Capt. Enrique Sadsad, commanding officer of NSA Bahrain. "This expansion project will not only enhance our ability to support our tenant commands and their mission, whether that be logistics, aviation, theatre security, or surface operational support, but also provide the necessary infrastructure to support our service members and their families, including our civilian and contract employees."

The $580 million project is scheduled to be completed in 2015, and will include utilities infrastructure, a consolidated port operations and harbor patrol facility, personnel barracks, administrative buildings, dining facility and a flyover bridge connecting Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain to the new port facilities.

"The investment in the waterfront construction project will provide a better quality of life for our Sailors and coalition partners, well into the future," said Lt. Cmdr. Keith Benson, NSA Bahrain's public works officer. "This project signifies a continuing relationship and the trust, friendship and camaraderie that exists between the U.S. and Bahraini naval forces."

The ultimate goal of relocating port operations and development at Mina Salman is to provide better support to U.S. and coalition ships deployed here and operating in the region.

The work at Mina Salman is being overseen by Naval Facilities Engineering Command Europe Africa Southwest Asia, headquartered in Naples, Italy. The executing agent is the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Construction on the first of the four phases will begin immediately. The first phase, scheduled for completion in the fall of 2012, will see the development of site utilities and a utilities building, a perimeter wall and a pass and ID gate. For the second phase, which will begin this fall and end in the winter of 2012, the port operations and harbor patrol unit facility will be completed, along with a small craft basin. Beginning in the summer of 2011, the third phase will focus on an administration facility consolidating 16 commands, personnel barracks and the flyover bridge. The final phase will commence in 2012, and will include additional personnel quarters, a dining facility and a recreation center.

NSA Bahrain occupies 62 acres of land in Juffair, and hosts more than 90 tenant commands, including U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/U.S. 5th Fleet. It is the primary naval base supporting regional maritime operations in the Arabian Gulf.

Planning for the relocation of port operations has been in progress since 2003.

Navy Drops Anchor in the Natural State To Celebrate Little Rock Navy Week

By Chief Mass Communication Specialist Steve Johnson, Navy Office of Community Outreach Public Affairs

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (NNS) -- Mayors from two central Arkansas cities welcomed the U.S. Navy to town by officially declaring May 24 through May 30 'Navy Week.'

Little Rock Mayor Mark Stodola read a proclamation on behalf of Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe, declaring the week 'Arkansas Navy Week' at the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum in North Little Rock. North Little Rock Mayor Patrick Henry Hays also read proclamations from both his city and neighboring Little Rock, with the historic USS Razorback (SS 394) submarine in the background.

The museum, which opened its doors on May 15 2005, centers around the Razorback, in service from World War II through the Vietnam War and most of the Cold War.

May 24 kicked off a weeklong series of events designed to highlight and showcase the U.S. Navy in a city far removed from the oceans that the Navy protects.

"We are excited to be in Little Rock and truly appreciate the local citizens' support of the U.S. military," said Lt. Cmdr. Mike Weyenberg, commanding officer, Navy Operational Support Center, Little Rock. "Your Sailors are proud to serve their country and are true professionals. We are very proud of them."

The 2010 Little Rock Navy Week,in conjunction with Riverfest, is packed with events demonstrating the mission of the U.S. Navy and its proud heritage. The goal of this program is to give the public an up-close look at the men and women of the U.S. Navy serving throughout the world and the jobs they do.

Rear Adm. Raymond P. English, director, Joint Reserve Forces, J-9, DLA, and Rear Adm. Wendi B. Carpenter, commander, Navy Warfare Development Command, Norfolk, shared guest Navy Week VIP duties for Little Rock Navy Week.

"Navy Weeks are the Navy's chance to share the story of the Navy and its Sailors. We are excited to be in Little Rock this week and we want to thank Little Rock for their outstanding military support,"said Cmdr. Michael Neuser, commanding officer, Navy Recruiting District (NRD), Nashville.

Neuser and Lt. Cmdr. Michael J. Weyenberg, commanding officer of Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC), Little Rock also participated in kickoff events with English.

"It's great to showcase what our active and reserve Sailors do here in Arkansas for the people who live and work in our community," said Weyenberg, a native of Bryant, Ark.

Over the lunch hour, English spoke to members of the Jacksonville Rotary Club, while Neuser gave a video presentation on the nation's Maritime Strategy to the North Little Rock Riverside Rotary Club.

Sailors and officers from NRD, NOSC and the Navy Office of Community Outreach visited veterans recuperating at the John L. McClellan Memorial Veterans Hospital in Little Rock.

Other events planned for Little Rock Navy Week include meetings with civic and corporate organizations throughout the Little Rock area, Navy Night with the Arkansas Traveler baseball team, visits by Sailors to area hospitals and youth centers, a home renovation project in conjunction with Habitat For Humanity, a renovation project with the Watershed Human and Community Development Agency by Navy Recruiting District, Nashville, Navy Band Mid-South from Millington, Tenn, free public concerts at the Little Rock Zoo and at Riverfest and Interactive Navy Tour and Navy Simulator.

For more information about Little Rock Navy Week 2010 or other Navy Week events through the remainder of 2010, visit www.NavyWeek.org.

Army Launches Acquisition Review

The Department of the Army announced today that it is launching a detailed, comprehensive review of its acquisition organizations, policies, workforce and processes, including how it acquires and manages equipment.

The study, commissioned by Secretary of the Army John McHugh, is intended to examine the full range of acquisition practices - from requirements to funding to management and oversight of key acquisition programs. The analysis will build upon progress made in acquisition reform following the 2009 implementation of the Weapons Systems Acquisition Reform Act and will identify areas for growth, improved efficiencies and cost savings. The assessment will also incorporate lessons learned from eight years of war that often included non-traditional acquisition processes.

A primary goal of this effort is to provide a plan for near-term actions that will improve the effectiveness of the Army acquisition process. The study will look at key acquisition processes such as Department of Defense (DoD) 5000 series documents, rapid acquisition processes, technology development and testing.

The Army review is taking place simultaneously with a DoD-led examination of acquisition challenges and opportunities, and will include an assessment of recent relevant studies and laws, including those articulated by the 2010 Quadrennial Defense Review and the Gansler Commission Report on expeditionary contracting.

This Army assessment will be conducted by an independent panel co-chaired by the Gil Decker, a former Army acquisition executive, and retired Army Gen. Lou Wagner, who once served as the Army deputy chief of staff for research, development and acquisition, and later as commander of the Army Materiel Command.

The 120-day study will provide interim status updates at the direction of the secretary of the Army.

Media point of contact for this is Lt. Col. Jimmie Cummings, 703-697-7591, Office of the Chief of Public Affairs, Office of the Secretary of the Army.

Air University education database down

by Scott Knuteson
Air University Public Affairs

5/26/2010 - MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. (AFNS) -- A computer system managing various aspects of Air Force member's education experienced a serious technical malfunction May 13, impacting Air University distance learning, related education records and test control facilities Air Force-wide.

Enlisted and officer distance learning for professional military and continuing education, testing and delivery of enlisted career development courses, and various specialty courses are specifically affected.

A team of technicians is working to restore the system to a fully functioning state. In the interim, a number of workarounds are being implemented to mitigate the effects of the system breakdown.

"We're working around the clock to get the system back online," said Col. Anthony Zucco, the Air University Education Logistics and Communications director. "Our goal is to minimize the impact on our Airmen, specifically their ability to access records and continue with their educational endeavors."

If a student completed coursework or finalized a test prior to May 13, the data may have successfully posted to their record. Active-duty Airmen can check the Air Force Personnel Center website and Air Guard or Reserve Airmen can check the Air Reserve Personnel Center's website to ensure all education data has posted.

The failing system, known as the Course Development, Student Administration and Registrar system has an effect on personnel actions since many actions partially rely on education data and verification.

Of particular importance is the ability for upcoming promotion board members to verify graduations and course completions since May 13, according to officials. Some senior NCOs needing verification of Senior NCO Academy completion for their senior rater endorsements may also experience difficulty accessing those records. Many Air University distance-learning students may be unable to complete testing at their local test control facility since testing prerequisites and scores are primarily accessed through the downed system.

Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard majors scheduled to meet the lieutenant colonel board in June can contact the Air University Registrar at au.cfro@maxwell.af.mil with any concerns regarding education records. An active-duty enlisted supplemental board scheduled for June won't require updating. The next enlisted board, for chief master sergeants, will not be until October.

Airmen with questions about the status of their personnel records can contact the Total Force Service Center at 800-525-0102

Summer Programs Expand for Military Children

By Elaine Wilson
American Forces Press Service

May 26, 2010 - From camps to golf clinics to acclaimed museums, military children have an abundance of free summer programs to choose from this year, a Defense Department official said.

The activities not only offer a respite from day-to-day routines, but also foster camaraderie among children dealing with similar military challenges, said Barbara Thompson, director of the Pentagon's office of family policy, children and youth.

"Peer to peer is wonderful way for children to learn how to deal and cope with separations and parents' absence," she said. "Each person copes differently, but my personal belief is that when you're busy ... it takes some of the burden off of your shoulders, takes away some of your anxiety and concern."

Thompson suggested military families start by looking into the plethora of day and residential summer camps.

Operation Military Kids, for instance, will sponsor 250 summer camps across the nation for school-age military children, both active and reserve, through a partnership with the Army, the Defense and Agriculture departments and 4-H. The camps cover a wide range of interests, including robotics, technology, high adventure, animals, cooking, photography and art.

These camps can be particularly beneficial for Guard and Reserve children who may not have a community of support around them, Thompson said.

"It shows that they're not alone, that there are other children facing the same worries and anxieties as they deal with the issues of the military lifestyle," she said.

The Defense Department will deploy more than 100 of its child and youth behavioral specialists to 99 of these camps, Thompson noted. They'll support the camp staff, she said, and also will conduct focus groups and other support activities for children.

The department will send hundreds of other child and youth specialists to Operation Purple Camps and to camps sponsored by the services, Thompson said.

In total, "we are going to be sending over 500 child and youth specialists across the world to take care of children in summer activities," she said.

Operation Purple Camps, sponsored by the National Military Family Association, are designed to help military children ages 7 to 17 cope with the stress of having a parent deployed, Michelle Joyner, the association's communications director, explained.

"It's a wonderful opportunity to bring kids together so they can learn some coping skills to get through difficult times," she said. The children also are encouraged to form their own support networks, she added.

The association, through a grant from the Sierra Club Foundation, expects to send more than 9,500 children to camp this summer. Camps are located in 37 states and in two sites in Germany, Joyner said.

While camp registration has ended for this summer, registration still is open for Operation Purple Family Retreats, available to all members of a military family. The next retreat will be held July 4 at Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. It includes a travel stipend to defray the cost, Joyner said. People can visit militaryfamily.org to sign up or to learn about the association's other family programs.

Military children also can seek camp and other summer activity opportunities through their installation libraries and child and youth services programs, Thompson said. Additionally, each installation has a pool, and some have pool lifts for swimmers with special needs. The department also has been revamping some of its playgrounds with special-needs children in mind, she added.

Off installation, Thompson encouraged parents to explore cultural opportunities through the Blue Star Museums program. This initiative, sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts and Blue Star Families, offers servicemembers and up to five of their immediate family members free admission to participating museums from Memorial Day through Labor Day. More than 600 museums in 50 states and the District of Columbia have signed up so far.

"What a cultural opportunity," Thompson said. "It's just a wonderful way to spend summer days so it's not all games and fun, but there's some learning going on and cultural activities. We're very excited about this initiative."

For budding golfers, the First Tee Military Affiliate Program offers free golf instruction to children from Guard and Reserve families geographically separated from a military base, Thompson noted.

The instruction is available at First Tee's 200 chapters located across the nation. School-age children at all skill levels, from beginner to advanced, are invited to hone their golf game with the help of trained coaches.

The program not only sharpens their skills on the green, but also equips children with life skills. Along with basic golf instruction, First Tee coaches teach children interpersonal communication, managing emotions, goal-setting and overcoming obstacles. For parents looking to keep their kids' learning skills honed throughout the summer, Thompson suggested they visit Tutor.com, a free, online tutoring service for servicemembers and their families. Children can access round-the-clock professional tutors who can assist with school work.

"When children are out of school we want their time to be fun, but productive as well," she said.

Also aimed at education, the Department of Defense Education Activity will offer a four-week summer enrichment program that emphasizes math and language arts skills. This year, the program will be offered at 62 sites worldwide to about 10 percent of the activity's students from kindergarten through 8th grade.

The activity also offers a summer online high school program for students who are at risk of not meeting graduation requirements. These students can enroll in coursework to replace a failing grade or to fulfill a course requirement.

"Our summer school program helps our students meet their educational requirements through a virtual program," said Patricia Riley, chief of the activity's Virtual School Program. "This is particularly helpful for our students overseas, since many [do] travel back to the U.S. to see family in the summer, which would be difficult if they were attending a traditional brick-and-mortar summer school."

From outdoor activities to educational opportunities, the department's summer-time programs are just another way of taking care of military families, Thompson noted.

"Children also serve," she said. "For them, it may be a little harder than [for] the adults in their life, because they can't always figure out what's going to happen next, especially depending on the age of the child. To have these opportunities for excitement and fun is just the best thing that we can do."

Troop Care Tops Nation's Obligations, Biden Says

By Lisa Daniel
American Forces Press Service

May 26, 2010 - Caring for troops is the nation's "one truly sacred obligation," Vice President Joe Biden said yesterday during a dinner for wounded warriors.

"We have one truly sacred obligation: to prepare and equip those in harm's way and to care for them when they come home," Biden told about 50 wounded warriors and their families who gathered here for a poolside barbeque at the U.S. Naval Observatory, the official home of the vice president.

Biden and his wife, Dr. Jill Biden, described their personal admiration and commitment to military families, as well as that of the administration. The servicemembers were from Mologne House, a residential facility for wounded warriors at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, and several bore the visible war wounds of amputations and blindness.

"It seems an understatement to thank you for your service and sacrifice," Biden said. Noting that he prayed every day while his son, Beau, was deployed to Iraq with the Army National Guard last year, he said he could relate "just barely" to what military families endure.

Speaking of the administration's commitment to veterans, the vice president noted the money the White House has invested in the Veterans Affairs Department. "We've put the taxpayers' money where our mouth is," he said.

With the U.S. Navy Band's country-bluegrass group playing in the background, the Bidens went from table to table meeting with the warriors and their families. Food Network host Sunny Anderson, a former Air Force broadcaster, was the chef for the evening, and she was accompanied by her uncle, Maj. Gen. Rodney Anderson, the Army's director of force management.

Dr. Biden, who recently visited Mologne House, and First Lady Michelle Obama have made military families a focus of their attention. They hosted a White House meeting yesterday with Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and his wife, Deborah, as well as Cliff Stanley, undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, to discuss ways to build a lasting national commitment to support and engage military families.

National Guard (in Federal Status) and Reserve Activated as of May 25, 2010

This week the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps announced a decrease in activated reservists, while the Air Force announced an increase. The Coast Guard announced no change. The net collective result is 2,005 fewer reservists activated than last week.

At any given time, services may activate some units and individuals while deactivating others, making it possible for these figures to either increase or decrease. The total number currently on active duty from the Army National Guard and Army Reserve is 96,849; Navy Reserve, 6,280; Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve, 18,451; Marine Corps Reserve, 6,647; and the Coast Guard Reserve, 834. This brings the total National Guard and Reserve personnel who have been activated to 129,061, including both units and individual augmentees.

A cumulative roster of all National Guard and Reserve personnel who are currently activated may be found online at http://www.defense.gov/news/d20100525ngr.pdf

Wisconsin Guard members join salute to Vietnam veterans

Date: May 26, 2010
By Tech. Sgt. Jon LaDue
Wisconsin National Guard

More than 300 Wisconsin National Guard Soldiers and Airmen joined a statewide effort to honor the service and sacrifice of thousands of Vietnam veterans, thank them and welcome them home.

The three-day event, dubbed "LZ Lambeau," ran May 21-23 at Green Bay's Lambeau Field and honored all veterans of the Vietnam era - a time when more than 165,000 Wisconsin residents deployed to support the war.

"LZ" refers to "landing zone," a familiar term to Vietnam veterans as a helicopter drop-off site.

More than 27,000 veterans, family members and other supporters filled Lambeau Field's stadium seats along both sidelines for the May 22 tribute ceremony. This made for an impressive standing ovation as Wisconsin Guard members marched into Lambeau Field at the tail end of the ceremony, said Master Sgt. (Ret.) Dave Galik, 128th Air Refueling Wing.

"I thought it was awesome," Galik said. "It was a real rush walking out there as they were cheering for us."

On the field itself, 1,244 empty white chairs were perfectly aligned in columns and rows across the field, representing Wisconsin's Vietnam veterans who never returned home.

The Wisconsin Guard members took positions around the field and paid tribute with a moment of silence before turning 180 degrees and saluting the many veterans in the crowd. Staff Sgt. Emily Russell, Wisconsin Army National Guard's public affairs office, sang the national anthem. "It was an emotional experience and it was very honoring," said Spc. Heidi Hanneman, who marched in with her fellow Soldiers from Company C, 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry.

Command Sgt. Maj. Ed Hanson of the 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, who recently returned from an Operation Iraqi Freedom deployment, led the marching Guard members and spoke to the crowd - not only as a current Soldier, but a Vietnam veteran as well.

Hanson emphasized that service and sacrifice bond veterans of all wars together. Gratitude, though not expected, is very much appreciated.

Galik also served in the Vietnam era in 1970 after he was selected in the draft. Having served in both the Vietnam era and in today's military, Galik has seen some drastic changes in perception of the military.

"I think service members now are treated a heck of a lot better than they were treated in my day," Galik said. "I wish veterans in that day would've been treated better, but for them to be recognized now - it's better late than never."

Brig. Gen Don Dunbar, adjutant general of Wisconsin, spoke to those in attendance about his appreciation for the sacrifices made by all Vietnam veterans.

"You endured the horrors of war, your battle scars were deep, and our nation's gratitude was, sadly, in short supply," Dunbar said. "However, time has brought perspective. Your country now knows that your service was extraordinary and that honor was and is due. Tonight I am proud to extend that honor as we say thank you, and welcome home."

The weekend event also included a motorcycle honor ride from La Crosse to Green Bay, live music, story sharing by Vietnam veterans, and the Vietnam Moving Wall. LZ Lambeau was a collaborative effort between Wisconsin Public Television, the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs, the Wisconsin Historical Society and many veterans organizations.

USS Lassen Returns to Yokosuka

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Charles Oki, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West Det. Japan

YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Lassen (DDG 82) returned to Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY) May 26 following a nearly three-month spring deployment.

Lassen made port calls to South Korea, Singapore, India and Thailand during the two and a half month deployment, and took part in exercises Foal Eagle 2010, Malabar 2010 and Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercise Thailand 2010.

"It was a long and rewarding underway period with lots of terrific training opportunities. We were honored to participate in significant exercises with three of our partner nations," said Cmdr. H.B. Le, Lassen's commanding officer. "We were not originally scheduled to be underway for that length of time, but that is one of the exciting aspects of the forward deployed naval forces. I could not be more proud of how my officers and crew responded to the changes and how well they performed at sea and ashore."

Lassen also provided air defense coverage assistance to the Republic of Korea (ROK) in their salvage and recovery efforts for the ROKS Cheonan after the ship sank March 26 in the Yellow Sea.

Lassen then made its way to Goa, India for Exercise Malabar 2010. Training with ships from the Indian Navy as well as USS Shiloh (CG 67), USS Curts (FFG 38) and USS Chafee (DDG 90); Lassen conducted surface and anti-submarine warfare events, coordinated gunnery exercises, air defense operations, and visit, board, search and seizure drills. Malabar 2010 also had Sailors from both navies serving as liaison officers as part of personal and professional exchanges.

"Spending time aboard the Indian Navy ships was definitely a unique and valuable experience," said Information Systems Technician 1st Class (SW/AW) Benjamin Wooldridge, a Great Lakes, Ill., native. "Not only was I able to share professional knowledge with my counterparts in the Indian navy, but I was also able to experience the culture of Indian ships and the Indian people."

After the completion of Malabar 2010, Lassen transited to Laem Chabang, Thailand to participate in CARAT Thailand 2010. Other exercise participants included USS Tortuga (LSD 46), USS Vandegrift (FFG 48), the US Coast Guard cutter Mellon (WHEC-717) and ships of the Royal Thai navy. The bilateral exercise was held to train in missions and tasks ranging from maritime security to air defense and amphibious operations.

"The Royal Thai navy is one of our key partners in the region and the CARAT exercises reinforce that relationship, so that we are ready to work together in a time of crisis," said Lt. Michael Root, the operations officer aboard Lassen. "The time saved by already being able to communicate and work together as a team rather than two separate entities in situations like the earthquake and tsunami that hit the region in 2004 could be what saves hundreds if not thousands of lives."

Sailors volunteered for community service projects during every port of call.

"Every time a ship makes a port visit, it becomes an extension of America," said Operations Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Joshua Eddy, a native of Barberton, Ohio and Lassen's community service coordinator. "Every time Sailors or Marines step off a ship they become ambassadors for the United States, so it's important to show that not only do we want to experience the culture of your country, but that we also want to extend a helping hand."

Lassen pulled into its forward deployed operating base of Fleet Activities Yokosuka to a celebration and greeting from Yokosuka's MWR and families who have been waiting to see their loved ones for more than 10 weeks.

"I very much appreciate Mr. Mike Crockett and his team from MWR Yokosuka for giving us such a warm homecoming. It was unexpected but fantastic," said Cmdr. Le. "I'm glad that Lassen has the opportunity to be back in Yokosuka for a little while before our next mission. It will be great to spend some time with families and friends before our next mission."

Operating in the Western Pacific and the Indian Ocean, the U.S. 7th Fleet is the largest of the forward-deployed U.S. fleets, covering 48 million square miles and with approximately 60-70 ships, 200-300 aircraft, and 40,000 Sailors and Marines assigned at any time.

MILITARY CONTRACTS May 26, 2010

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

Science Application International Corp., Fairfield, N.J., is being awarded a maximum $50,000,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for maintenance, repair and operations of supplies. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and federal civilian agencies. The original proposal was Web solicited with six responses. This contract is exercising the fifth option-year period. The date of performance completion is May 30 2011. The Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SPM500-04-D-BP06).

Northrop Grumman Corp., El Segundo, Calif., is being awarded a maximum $11,220,000 firm-fixed-price, sole-source contract for aircraft rudders in support of the F-18 aircraft. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Navy. There was one proposal originally solicited with one response. The date of performance completion is July 31, 2013. The Defense Logistics Agency Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (N00383-06-G-032D-THCU).

NAVY

Mandex, Inc.*, Fairfax, Va. (N65236-10-D-6831), and Systems Applications & Solutions, LLC*, Charleston, S.C. (N65236-10-D-6832), are each being awarded a $9,555,712 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity performance-based multiple-award contract for integrated electronic security systems support services. Services that may be ordered under these contracts include the overall sustainment, integration and upgrades of existing systems, including any system that automates what would alternatively require manpower to accomplish; security systems; surveillance systems; automated fuel systems; and similar systems. These contracts include a one-year base period and four one-year option periods making the total potential period of performance five years. The total aggregate value of all task orders awarded over the life of these two contracts combined will be approximately $47,680,000, covering a maximum of approximately 500,000 staff hours over the five-year period of performance. Each contractor will be awarded $12,500 at the time of award. These two contractors may compete for the task orders under the terms and conditions of the awarded contract. Work will be performed in Washington, D.C. (25 percent), Norfolk, Va. (20 percent), and other government installations (55 percent), and is expected to be completed May 2011. If all options are exercised, work could continue until May 2015. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The multiple award contracts were competitively procured under a 100-percent small business set-aside via the the Federal Business Opportunities and the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command E-commerce Web sites, with four offers received. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Atlantic is the contracting activity.

Raytheon Co., Tucson, Ariz., is being awarded a modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-07-C-5432) to establish contract line item ceiling worth $36,666,667 (cost-plus-fixed fee) for May 2010 through December 2010 for Evolved Sea Sparrow missile production support and technical engineering. Work will be performed in Tucson, Ariz. (45 percent); Camden, Ark. (2 percent); Andover, Mass. (10 percent); Australia (11 percent); Canada (7 percent); Denmark (1 percent); Greece (1 percent); Germany (8 percent); The Netherlands (6 percent); Norway (5 percent); Spain (3 percent); and Turkey (1 percent. Work is expected to be completed by December 2010. Contract funds in the amount of $936,401 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.

L-3 Communications Vertex Aerospace, LLC, Madison, Miss., is being awarded an $18,074,568 modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery requirements contract (N00019-04-D-0131) to provide for additional logistics services and materials for organizational, intermediate and depot-level maintenance of 13 T39N and 6 T-39G aircraft located at the Naval Air Station (NAS), Pensacola, Fla. In addition, this modification provides for aircraft intermediate maintenance services in support of Chief of Naval Air Training aircraft and transient aircraft at NAS Pensacola, Fla., and NAS Corpus Christi, Texas. The estimated level of effort for this modification is 72,657 man-hours. Work will be performed in Pensacola, Fla. (75 percent), and Corpus Christi, Texas (25 percent), and is expected to be completed in September 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

Hourigan Construction Corp., Virginia Beach, Va., is being awarded a $10,898,000 firm-fixed-price contract for developing design documents and construction to repair airfield pavements to runway 5L/23R at Naval Air Station Oceana. Work will be performed in Virginia Beach, Va., and is expected to be completed by August 2013. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online Web site, with three proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (N40085-10-C-3007).

Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Rolling Meadows, Ill., is being awarded a $7,196,706 delivery order against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-08-G-0012) for non-recurring engineering associated with the upgrade of the fiscal 2010 AN/AAQ-24(V)25 missile warning sensors and processor software, including the production, test and delivery of additional features. Work will be performed in Rolling Meadows, Ill, and is expected to be completed in May 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

EDO Communications and Countermeasures Systems, Thousand Oaks, Calif., is being awarded a $6,871,194 cost-plus-fixed fee contract under basic ordering agreement N00164-10-G-WQ22 for depot repair support for the Counter Radio-Controlled Improvised Explosive Device Electronic Warfare (CREW) vehicle receiver jammer systems that are fielded in theater. The CREW vehicle receiver jammer systems are used to counter the continuous and evolving improvised explosive device threat as it becomes known in theater. Work will be performed in Thousand Oaks, Calif., and is expected to be completed in September 2014. Initial funding in the amount of $250,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity.

Clayton International, Inc.*, Peachtree City, Ga., is being awarded a $6,332,010 modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00019-10-D-0013) to perform inspections, repairs and related services in support of H-3 helicopters for the governments of Egypt, Peru and Argentina. Work will be performed in Peachtree City, Ga., and is expected to be completed in December 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract combines purchases for the governments of Egypt ($2,849,405; 45 percent), Peru ($2,216,203; 35 percent), and Argentina ($1,266,402; 20 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales program. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

AIR FORCE

ITT Corp., Systems Division, Patrick Air Force Base, Fla., was awarded a $7,642,042 contract which will provide integration services to support the launch and range systems wing spacelift range systems contract to install additional hardware to an existing string of telemetry equipment at the Oak Mountain B Site at the Western Range in Vandenberg, Calif. The entire amount has been obligated. SMC/LRSW/PK, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., is the contracting activity (F04701-01-C-0001).